New 24/7 fitness center opens in Adrian

Monday

Nov 26, 2012 at 7:00 AMNov 26, 2012 at 3:32 PM

By Arlene BachanovDaily Telegram Special Writer

A few years ago, Mark and Mary Murray, owners of The Image Center, decided they wanted to take more responsibility for their own physical health. And as they researched various health options, it soon became apparent to them that their personal commitment could translate into an opportunity for others as well.

Their idea became reality with B-Fit 24/7 Fitness, located at The Image Center at 1249 N. Main St., Adrian. The 2,500-square-foot facility features 40-plus pieces of cardio and strength equipment as well as showers, changing rooms and lockers, and, as its name implies, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Mark Murray said that as he and Mary were looking around at different fitness-center models, a process that took about a year, they realized that a 24/7 fitness facility was going to come to Adrian at some point, and they felt that people wanted a place that was locally owned and operated instead of a franchise.

At the same time, because The Image Center overall focuses on meeting people's personal-appearance needs — a tanning salon, car wash and laundromat/dry cleaner are the other businesses there — "we know how to take care of people and make a difference to them," he said.

A membership to B-Fit 24/7 Fitness is $19.99 per month with a signup fee that is currently also $19.99, which is 50 percent off the usual signup cost. The center's motto is "no contract, no commitment, no catches," Murray said, and people can drop out at any time with no financial loss for doing so.

Two full-time personal trainers, Aimee Skiba and Todd Bakewell, are available to all members at no additional cost to work with them on their fitness goals and motivate them to achieve.

"They're both wonderful and they really know their stuff and they really connect with people," Murray said of Skiba and Bakewell.

Memberships are open to men and women 18 years of age or older, with a checking or savings account or credit card required because monthly fees are generally handled by electronic funds transfer.

Members must be also willing to abide by the center's guidelines. "Our trainers' No. 1 job is to create the right culture for our facility and to keep it safe and friendly for everyone," Murray said.

The facility is not geared toward the hardcore weightlifter, who can find excellent training centers elsewhere in town. Rather, it is designed for men and women who simply want to work on their personal fitness. And, Murray added, if people are willing to come in at least three times per week for an hour at a time, "a year from today you'll love the results."

Because members can come in to work out at any time, even in the middle of the night, the center places a premium on security, Murray said. Members receive a key fob that is the only access to the always-locked facility. Additionally, the building has security cameras and a "panic button" that alerts police.

Murray said he has been pleased with the number of members who have signed up since the center opened right after Labor Day. And, he added, given that Adrian is a relatively small city, he has been amazed with the interest shown in having a place available at any hour of the day or night.

"I find a lot of people saying, 'I've been waiting for a 24/7 place,' " he said.People interested in becoming members should visit the membership center, in the adjacent laundromat/tanning salon building, to get a mini-tour of the facility. After that, they can sign up for a free one-hour training session to see if the center is a good fit for them.

B-Fit 24/7 Fitness can be reached at 263-7250. More information is online at adrianimagecenter.com or available by email at info@adrianimagecenter.com.

This article was written based on information provided by the business.

Lenawee in Business is a feature of The Daily Telegram business page for new businesses and businesses celebrating a major anniversary. If you have a story for a Lenawee in Business, call assistant news editor Sue Van Fleet at 265-5111, ext. 259, or email sue@lenconnect.com.

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